The name "Nali" in Kannada means "Happy," and "Mana" refers to "mind." At Nali Mana, we harness the power of theatre to promote children's psychological well-being. In our curriculum, we have tried to combine theatre, as a performative art form, with psychology, which has helped and enabled us to enhance children's behaviour and personality.
Theatre serves as a tool to understand children's psychology. Despite theatre being a performative art form, we emphasize the process rather than focus on the performance alone. Our curriculum, centred on theatre activities and games, is entirely activity-based. It aims to enhance children's life skills and overall personality, focusing on listening, attention, concentration, imagination, creativity, and interpersonal relations.
The entire process of preparing for a play—reading, rehearsals, set design, costume work, lighting, etc.—involves various psychological aspects such as conditioning, memory, recall, fine and gross motor skills, self-confidence, self-esteem, teamwork, and group building. These skills are equally vital in our day-to-day life.Â
One of the biggest advantages of having theatre exposure is not only that it provides these psychological benefits but also that it fosters happiness and enjoyment. Having been part of the theatre community for the last 13 years, and having majored in psychology studies, has enabled me to approach theatre through a psychological perspective.
We intentionally do not emphasize the performance aspect of theatre, allowing us ample scope to assess children's overall personalities. Theatre exposure significantly shapes children's personalities. Children do not need to become actors, performers, or directors to benefit from this art form. Instead, awareness and immersion in theatre help children with decision-making, self-confidence, self-esteem, spontaneity, imagination, creativity, and communication skills.
We have observed that sessions at Nali Mana helped bring about such subtle changes in children. Our interactions with them cover gender roles, the importance of communication, kindness, acceptance, tolerance, and more.Â
In one memorable instance, during our sessions at Nali Mana, children engaged in a thoughtful discussion about gender roles. They explored the associated tasks and activities traditionally assigned to different genders. This open dialogue not only deepened their understanding but also fostered empathy and respect among them.
Following these discussions, parents have shared heartwarming stories of their sons demonstrating increased respect and consideration towards their sisters and mothers. These positive changes highlight the transformative impact of our approach at Nali Mana, where theatre catalyzes meaningful conversations and positive behavioural shifts in children's lives.
Another session that is conducted here is the craft session. During these sessions, we have repeatedly children mentioned the term "patience," a trait that can be cultivated through our activities, as crafts such as origami or pottery require a lot of patience and concentration. Such practices can not only build resilient life skills for children but can be a productive method of meditation. Instances, where children learn skills and develop better character qualities through theatre, illustrate its powerful role in helping them grasp important values, even if they do not fully understand these values at first.
We believe in long-term results rather than instant outcomes. Our work leaves a lasting impact on children, benefiting them well into adulthood. As faculty in other performance-oriented children's theatre workshops, we have witnessed the transformative impact on children's confidence, outspokenness, and self-esteem. My childhood experience in theatre further underscores the importance of this art form, demonstrating its profound impact on personal development and character building. This transformative experience fueled my passion for theatre and inspired me to share its benefits with others. Consequently, I was motivated to establish a platform dedicated to promoting theatre as a tool for learning and personal growth.
Nali Mana aims to provide a theatre-based module and a fun atmosphere for children. We aspire to nurture children's personalities and behaviours for long-term psychological benefits. By engaging in creative expression and collaborative activities, children can build confidence, empathy, and resilience. Our ultimate goal is to create a supportive environment where children can thrive emotionally and socially, laying a strong foundation for their future
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